The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has recently revised the guidelines of the “Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization” (SMAM) scheme. This modification aims to make drones more accessible to farmers, thus aiding them in their agricultural practices. The SMAM scheme was inaugurated in 2014-15 with a keen focus on extending the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginalized farmers, especially in regions with low farm power availability.
These newly revised funding guidelines aim to provide financial aid for the purchase, hiring, and demonstration of agricultural drones, thereby making this technology more affordable for the agrarian community. The funding provisions will remain applicable until 31st March 2023.
Key Points: Availability of Subsidies
The revised SMAM scheme provides several levels of subsidies. A grant that covers up to 100% of the cost of an agricultural drone or Rs.10 lakh, whichever is lesser, is provided. However, this 100% grant only extends to Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institutes, Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and State Agriculture Universities.
Agriculture graduates who establish Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) can receive a subsidy of 50% of the basic cost of a drone and its attachments or up to Rs. 5 lakh for drone purchases. Existing CHCs or new ones set up by cooperative societies of farmers, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), and rural entrepreneurs, can receive a 4% subsidy (maximum Rs. 4 lakh) on the basic cost of a drone.
Criteria for Eligibility
For an individual to be considered a “rural entrepreneur” under this scheme, they must have passed the tenth grade from a recognized Board and hold a remote pilot license from an institute endorsed by the Director-General of Civil Aviation. FPOs can receive a subsidy equivalent to 75% of the drone’s cost if used solely for demonstration purposes. An allowance of Rs. 6,000 per hectare is also available for agencies that hire drones from CHCs, Hi-tech Hubs, drone manufacturers, and start-ups for demonstrations.
Significance of the SMAM Scheme
The subsidies provided by the revised SMAM scheme make drone technology more affordable, promoting widespread use. In addition to making drones more accessible to the common man, this initiative will also significantly boost domestic drone production.
Related Government Initiatives
Several government initiatives complement the SMAM scheme. They include the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry Scheme, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, National Food Security Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
About Agricultural Mechanization
Agricultural mechanization refers to the use of machinery to streamline agricultural processes. The current level of farm mechanization in India stands at about 40-45%, with states like UP, Haryana, and Punjab having very high levels, while north-eastern states have negligible levels. These numbers are low compared to countries such as the U.S. (95%), Brazil (75%), and China (57%).
Significance and Impact of Mechanization
Mechanization plays a vital role in optimizing land, water, energy resources, manpower, and other inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc., to maximize productivity. It makes farming more profitable and attractive to rural youth and is a key driver for the sustainable development of the agriculture sector. However, it may negatively impact farm employment and increase pollution due to machinery use.